The Mazda MX-5 Miata and Subaru BRZ are two great sports cars that you've probably been considering if you want to get behind the wheel of a fast ride. With powerful acceleration, comfortable interiors, and plenty of technology features, there's a lot to like about the MX-5 Miata and the BRZ. Our Mazda experts at North End Mazda in Lunenburg have put together a comparison of these two vehicles and explain why the MX-5 Miata comes out on top.
2022 MX-5 Miata vs. BRZ Engine and Performance
MX-5 RF by Peter Alfred Hess is licensed with CC BY 2.0
These vehicles prioritize nimble handling and a speedy pace off the line. Both the MX-5 Miata and BRZ have four-cylinder engines, with the MX-5 Miata having 181 horsepower while the BRZ has 228 horsepower. The additional horsepower comes at a cost in the BRZ, which weighs about 400 pounds more than the MX-5 Miata. As a result, the MX-5 Miata has the edge when it comes to maneuverability.
As you would expect with sports cars, the MX-5 Miata and the BRZ shift from 0 to 60 mph in a hurry. The MX-5 Miata makes it to 60 mph in an impressive 6.6 seconds, while the BRZ manages it in 6.1 seconds, according to Edmunds' Vehicle Testing Team. Both vehicles work in rear-wheel drive to produce the punchy acceleration all sports car drivers love.
MX-5 Miata vs. BRZ MPG
If you're concerned about gas prices and want a sports car that combines efficiency with exciting acceleration, the MX-5 Miata ticks both boxes. It achieves a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg with a manual transmission and 30 mpg with a six-speed automatic. The BRZ can't quite compete, coming in at 22 mpg with a manual transmission and 25 mpg with the automatic.
MX-5 Miata vs. BRZ Interior
The biggest difference between the interiors of these vehicles is their body styles. The MX-5 Miata is a two-door convertible, which has two seats and a compact trunk. The BRZ is a two-door coupe with four seats and a small trunk, giving it a larger interior. In addition, the MX-5 Miata gives you the option of a manually retractable soft top and a power retractable hardtop. These options are not offered in the BRZ.
Both vehicles have cloth upholstery for their base trim. The MX-5 Miata offers genuine leather upholstery as an optional upgrade, while you can get synthetic leather in the BRZ. Both cars have ample room in their front seats for tall adult passengers. However, the BRZ's rear row is only suitable as a storage space, since the seats are so small that even kids won't find them comfortable for too long.
Mazda vs. Subaru Infotainment Technology
The standard Miata infotainment setup has a 7-inch screen and a six-speaker stereo. You also get smart phone compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and two USB ports. You can control the infotainment system using touch screen controls or a circular nob located on the central console.
You can add additional features to the Miata's infotainment system with several upgrades. These include a navigation system, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. A nine-speaker premium stereo is also an offer, as well as an automatic climate control to help maintain a comfortable temperature in the cabin.
The BRZ's infotainment system is led by an 8-inch screen and a 7-inch instrument display. The display gives you a range of performance readings, including your speed, cabin temperature, and fuel status. Like the Miata, the BRZ also features smart phone compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports.
On top of the infotainment technology, both sports cars have convenience features in abundance. For example, the Miata and BRZ offer keyless entry, which makes it much easier to access your cabin, and a push button start.
MX-5 Miata vs. BRZ Safety Features
The Miata and BRZ have several useful driver safety features to make your job a little easier behind the wheel. In the Miata, you get forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, which can help you avoid accidents. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert can also assist in avoiding approaching vehicles outside of your line of vision. You can upgrade your safety features by opting to add automatic high-beam headlights and road sign recognition, which will alert you of speed limits and other driving rules.
The only standard safety feature available with the BRZ is a rearview camera. The wide range of driver assistance technology is only offered as optional upgrades. These features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, which can adjust your speed on the highway so you can maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Other helpful highway assistance features include lane departure warning and lane keep assist.
MX-5 Miata vs. BRZ Trims
You can purchase the 2022 MX-5 Miata in three trims: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring.
The Club trim gives you the option of a soft-top or a hardtop Miata. You also get heated seats, a rear spoiler, and 17-inch wheels. An optional package adds Brembo sports brakes and seats, which provide extra support so you can comfortably navigate those sharp corners. The range-topping Grand Touring adds leather upholstery for a more luxurious touch in the cabin and rain-sensing wipers for added convenience on the road.
Two trims are offered with the BRZ: Premium and Limited. The Limited trim adds synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and the optional driver assistance features previously mentioned.
We hope that our comparison of these two sports cars assists you as you make your final decision. We think that the MX-5 Miata wins in a few key areas, such as nimble handling due to its more lightweight design, better fuel economy, and a longer list of standard safety features.
If you'd like to test drive a Miata in Lunenburg or learn more about any of its features, don't hesitate to contact our Mazda experts here at North End Mazda. We'd be delighted to support you through the purchase process by offering you competitive auto financing options and reliable auto servicing so you can keep on top of your maintenance requirements once your new vehicle is on the road.